(hu)Man vs. Machine: In the Future of Motorsport, can Autonomous Vehicles Compete?

Abstract

Motorsport has historically driven technological innovation in the automotive industry. Autonomous racing provides a proving ground to push the limits of performance of autonomous vehicle (AV) systems. In principle, AVs could be at least as fast, if not faster, than humans. However, human driven racing provides broader audience appeal thus far, and is more strategically challenging. Both provide opportunities to push each other even further technologically, yet competitions remain separate. This paper evaluates whether the future of motorsport could encompass joint competition between humans and AVs. Analysis of the current state of the art, as well as recent competition outcomes, shows that while technical performance has reached comparable levels, there are substantial challenges in racecraft, strategy and safety that need to be overcome. Outstanding issues involved in mixed human-AI racing, ranging from an initial assessment of critical factors such as system-level latencies, to effective planning and risk guarantees are explored. The crucial non-technical aspect of audience engagement and appeal regarding the changing character of motorsport is addressed. In the wider context of motorsport and AVs, this work outlines a proposed agenda for future research to 'keep pushing the possible', in the true spirit of motorsport.